The Education Commission of the States Released Guide on Age Requirements for Free Compulsory Education

Denver, Colo. – The Education Commission of the States’ oft-cited resource, Age Requirements for Free and Compulsory Education, just got an update! The number of years that children are given a free education and number of years they are required to be in school varies greatly across the US, and states are increasingly considering changes to these requirements. See this updated 50-State Review for a side-by-side comparison of free and compulsory ages, state statutes, exceptions and policy considerations.

Key Takeaway

Students are required to attend school for as few as nine years and up to 13 years, depending on the state. To read the entire report, visit www.ecs.org/age-requirements-for-free-and-compulsory-education.

Featured

  • Can AI Help Build Stronger Communities in Student Housing?

    Student housing success is shifting from operational performance to student experience, with belonging now at the center. A recent 2025 report underscores a growing emphasis on student well-being, community, and engagement, signaling that expectations now extend beyond logistics to ensure students feel supported in their living environments. AI is enabling that shift by reducing administrative workload and giving teams more time to focus on meaningful student engagement.

  • Johns Hopkins Starts Construction on New Residence Hall, Dining Facility

    The Homewood Campus of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., recently began construction on a new residence hall and dining facility, according to university news. The work involves demolishing the existing Alumni Memorial Residence Hall I, which was built in 1923, to make room for the new facility.

  • UT-San Antonio Begins Residence Hall Renovations

    The University of Texas at San Antonio recently began a $6-million renovation project to one of its residence halls, according to a news release. Originally completed in 1986, Chisolm Hall measures in at 120,860 square feet and is the oldest and largest residence hall on campus.

  • St. John Fisher University

    Classroom Revitalization – Basil Hall Room 216

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. St. John Fisher University's Basil Hall Room 216 Classroom Revitalization has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Project of Distinction award in the category of Spaces.